The Training Place

ETP members contact: etp@butte.edu

8 am - 5 pm

4/11 and 4/23/2025

Practical Problem Solving: Plan, Do, Check, Act/A3

Problem Solving is the foundation of continuous process improvement. Improving requires continually solving problems - whether these are technical or recurring day-to-day problems. As a Lean tool, A3 reporting addresses the root cause of everyday problems. When used properly, the PDCA-A3 process dramatically increases the probability of success.

Learning Outcomes:

Learn to identify, classify and define problems.
Be able to analyze and prioritize problems, symptoms and root causes.
Match the right problem-solving process to the problem.
Use a variety of proven problem-solving models, tools and techniques.
“Frame” a problem to gain support and buy in from others in the organization.
Understand how Plan Do Check Act process and A3 works.
Create an A3 problem report to “tell the story” of the problem to guide and structure the problem-solving activity.
Use root cause analysis tools.
Develop countermeasures.
Develop implementation plans.

Prerequisites:  Lean Principles, Workplace Organization